Natural Stone Institute Releases New Guidance on Respirator Use

 

Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oberlin, OH, March 27, 2026 — The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) announces the release of a new fabricator resource developed through ongoing collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program. The latest resource provides practical guidance for fabrication shops related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respiratory protection programs.

The document, Air Purifying Respirator Selection Criteria for Respirable Crystalline Silica in General Industry, was developed to help fabrication shops better understand regulatory requirements and proper respirator selection when respirators are required as part of a comprehensive silica exposure control program. The resource reinforces that engineering controls such as wet cutting and ventilation remain the primary methods for reducing exposure, while respirators serve as an additional protective measure when necessary.

This new resource is part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the Natural Stone Institute and the Yale School of Medicine’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program to develop research, training, and practical safety guidance for fabrication shops. Additional research from the Yale collaboration, including a new medical surveillance study, is currently in the final stages of publication and will be released soon.

Resources developed through the Yale collaboration include:

• Research:
  • Yale Literature Review Part 1: Exposure Studies
  • Yale Literature Review Part 2: Medical Studies
  • Work Practices and Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures in Stone Countertop Fabrication Shops published in AJIM
• Guidance Documents:
  • Respirator Selection Criteria for Respirable Crystalline Silica
  • Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Medical Surveillance Guidance for Employers
  • Fabricator Guidance for Workplace Silica Exposure Assessment
  • Sampling Firm/Consultant Guidance for Workplace Silica Exposure Assessments

In addition to these technical resources, the Natural Stone Institute continues to provide online silica safety training and educational resources to help fabrication companies train employees and maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. Many of NSI’s silica safety resources, training materials, and guidance documents are available in Spanish to support the industry’s workforce and improve accessibility across fabrication shops.

“These collaborative efforts with Yale are focused on providing practical tools and credible research to help fabrication shops protect their employees and operate responsibly,” said Jim Hieb, CEO of the Natural Stone Institute. “Our goal is to make sure companies have access to the proper training and resources to manage silica exposure and protect worker health.”

The Air Purifying Respirator Selection Criteria for Respirable Crystalline Silica in General Industry document is available here.

Additional silica safety training materials, guidance documents, and online learning resources are available in the Natural Stone Institute Silica Safety Resource Center at: www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica

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About the Natural Stone Institute

The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) is a trade association representing more than 2,000 members in over 50 nations in virtually every aspect of the global natural stone industry. NSI is dedicated to increasing awareness of natural stone as one of nature’s most enduring, inspiring, and sustainable building materials.

We offer opportunities for professionals of all fields, backgrounds, and career levels to connect on natural stone industry challenges, meet potential business partners, and grow their expertise and influence.